Six young men from Saranac and Ionia have earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, thanks to hard work, service and dedication.

The scouts belong to Troop 71, which is chartered by Saranac Community Church and is the troop to more than 45 members.

Scout leader Richard Dashkovitz said the rank of Eagle Scout is important because less than 5 percent of scouts receive the honor. To become an Eagle Scout, the teens have experiences including camping in every season and in all conditions, backpacking, leadership, service projects and teaching.

"These experience teach these young men to overcome and solve problems, to serve others, to work with other people, to make great friendships and to lead others," said Dashkovitz.

Eagle Scout Wyatt Haner created a "hometown heroes" memorial board at Saranac Cemetery to honor veterans. It includes short biographies of a number of veterans, which states if they returned home and/or received a medal for their service.

"I wanted to make it known to the community that they aren't just headstones. They're people who fought and died for our country," said Haner.

Blake Hopkins also completed a project in Saranac by revitalizing and landscaping around the village entry signs at David Highway, Riverside Drive, North Bridge Street and South Bridge Street.

"The paint was faded and the wood chips were faded and the plants were dying," said Hopkins. "It needed to be done."

He said he worked with members of the Saranac Community Club to complete the project and believes he showed commitment throughout the task.

Zachary Bevington's project took him into the Ionia State Recreation Area's equestrian campground, where he built an informational kiosk. Shaped like a barn, he said it can be used for park officials to post notices, place pamphlets and provide maps of the grounds.

"I wanted something I could put my name on," said Bevington. "That one stuck out to me."

The boys said they felt proud of the work they have accomplished and are glad to know they have helped the community. In addition, they said the Eagle Scout rank will help them with college and job applications.

Dashkovitz has been the teens' leader through Cub Scouts and into Boy Scouts. He said seeing them become Eagle Scouts means a lot because he watched them grow up.

"I am proud of the young men reaching the rank that exemplifies what is means to be a young leader in our community," he said.

To be an Eagle Scout means the boys' actions and beliefs follow the scout oath of duty to God, country and others. It also shows the boys are trustworthy, helpful, friendly, kind, courteous, loyal, cheerful, thrifty, brave, obedient and reverent, Dashkovitz added.

Following the Eagle Scout achievement, the boys can earn additional merit badges that equal pins to put on the eagle badge. They can also help with younger scouts and continue to attend camps and other excursions.